Students show off their passion at BOCES Showcase

On Saturday morning, Lopsey was one of many students who got to show off their passion during the 5th annual Saturday Showcase at at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES.

Tina Russell

NEW HARTFORD — Culinary student Brianna Lopsey, 16, has had a passion for cooking since she was a child.

“I used to watch my father cook, and I’d try to copy all his techniques,” she said.

On Saturday morning, Lopsey was one of many students who got to show off their passion during the fifth annual Saturday Showcase at Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES.

She along with four other culinary classmates whipped up personal-sized grilled pizzas for customers. Other demonstrations included animal grooming and cosmetology services such as hair wrapping, hair braiding and nail art.

The Career and Technical Education store also was open. There, merchandise made by students was sold, including cell amplifiers, shepherd hooks, bottle racks and bluebird boxes. All proceeds from the store go toward the Career & Technical Education Center’s SkillsUSA.

Lopsey plans to have a future in the culinary world.

“I do want to cook, and I do want to own a restaurant, so maybe I’ll do both,” she said.